The SU-76i were converted StuG IIIs equipped with a Russian 76.2 mm gun. They were only in use during 1943. Apparently the Russians preferred their SPG to follow tanks into action. According to the commander of the 1902nd Self-Propelled Artillery Regiment (SAP), a unit equipped with SU-76is in 5th Guards Army, “…if tanks and SP-guns could be used on a more massive scale, losses could be reduced significantly.”. During Aug-Sep 1943 the 1902nd SAP participated in 19 separate battles, typically contributing 2 to 7 self propelled guns in each instance.

The SU-76i was used in the following units:

Unit

When

Vehicles

Comments

Source

13th Army, Central Front

July 1943

16 x SU-76i

During Kursk eight vehicles were lost, three of which were burnt-out

RB

Voronezh Front

July 1943

33 x 76 mm SPG including some SU-76i

RB

Self-Propelled Artillery Regiment (SAP), Central Front

Orel Offensive

16 x SU-76i
1 x PzKpfw III

RB

1902nd SAP, 5th Guards Army

2 Aug 1943

15 x SU-76i

RB

14 Aug 1943

15 x SU-76i
5 x SU-122

RB

14-31 Aug 1943

Destroyed two tanks, nine cannons, twelve machine-guns and over 250 men in five battles

RB

Sep 1943

Participated in 14 battles using 2-7 SPG in each. During 20-23 Sep six SU-76is destroyed three German tanks.

Bill Ponder on TreadHeads Yahoo Group also states “The Red Star was rarely used on Soviet vehicles during the war, except for Lend Lease or captured German armour where it was used prominently as recognition symbols.”